Membership at Windsor Road Baptist Church

What is Church Membership?

Local church membership is a commitment to a local body of believers where you say ‘this is my family, I am part of these people and they of me.’ Church membership forms a ‘home base’ from where we go out into the world to live our lives and serve the risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

We recognize that all who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord are part of the universal church which transcends space and time. We also believe that as a disciple of Jesus is important to belong to a local expression of this universal church. This ‘belonging’ is usually shown through local church membership. We all need to be part of a community where we are loved, cared for and held accountable.

Local church membership is a practice which we believe to be biblically based and beneficial to the life of the Church and its people. Windsor Road Baptist Church is a legal entity and the decision-making powers are restricted to recognised members and duly constituted members’ meetings.

Membership is a covenant between Christian brothers and sisters to be committed to each other in love and devotion to God. It is a reflection of the covenant relationship God has with His people.

What are our Requirements for Membership?

The requirements for our Church membership are as follows:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the Son of God who lived, died and rose again.
• Baptism as a believer.
• Whole heartedly affirm the Statement of Faith of the Church’s constitution.
• A desire to be actively involved in this community and support our vision and values.

What are the Responsibilities of Church Members?

Members’ responsibilities are stated in the Church constitution:

• To remain true to their commitment to Christ as expressed in their baptism through disciplined faith in Him.
• To make diligent use of the means of grace, joining regularly in hearing the Word of God, in partaking of the Lord’s Supper and in the corporate prayer life of the Church.
• To lead a Christian life of love, humility and peace, endeavouring through correction, encouragement and care support to help each other grow as Christians.
• To study the Scriptures and pray in private.
• To express their gratitude to God for His material gifts and blessings by contributing regularly to the financial support of the Church as the Lord has enabled them.
• To support the Pastor/s in their work in the Church and community through prayer and personal concern for his spiritual and material welfare.
• To attend Church Members’ Meetings.

  Church Meetings: On a regular basis, we meet for a Members’ Meeting at which we discuss the matters facing the Church and seek to reach a decision on them. It is thus important for all members to make a special effort to attend these meetings so that they can contribute to the discussion and the discerning of the Lord’s will.

What are the Benefits of Church Membership?

• A sense of belonging to the community of believers
• An opportunity to use my gifts and abilities to help the community grow in maturity
• To be cared for by the pastoral team, to be encouraged, taught and corrected when required
• To assist in the decision making processes of the community
  through Members’ Meetings

How do I Apply for Membership?

Application for Church membership is made by:

• Filling out the application form and giving it to the Secretary who will present it to the Eldership
• The Secretary will advise you in writing that the application has been received and you will be contacted for an interview.
• Two members will then interview you about the requirements for Membership and bring a recommendation to a Members’ Meeting. If there are no objections you will be accepted and publicly received into fellowship at any service of worship or at a Church meeting.